"The minimum recommended time of physical activity is two hours per week, but there is no pressure on schools to do this.

"Those hours should be for those students to improve activity levels."

Mr Lyons said the minister's proposal needs the full support of the unions.

"I would like to see it rolled out, but there needs to be a shift in how we assess our Leaving Cert," he said.

"There is a thought that it might be using PE as the forerunner for continuous assessment, which is a minefield."

Fitness consultant Pat Henry said that the move would be of huge benefit to children.

"I think it's a great idea," he said. "I think it's great to bring it in as part of the curriculum, but it should have the support of parents.

"I think it will encourage everyone to get physically active if you get the points in PE.

"I do think that schools have an obligation to encourage physical activity and must ensure that it is under instruction."

Although research suggests that girls traditionally drop out of physical activity in the senior cycle whereas boys continue in team sports, Mr Henry said schools are investing in gym facilities and classes for all students.

"We have a lot of girls' schools that we give lectures to on healthy eating and exercise and there are aerobics and fitness classes that are huge for girls now," he said.

"If the parents get behind this initiative and stop serving junk, if the schools stop serving junk food, it would make such a difference."